Experts have praised the UAE’s historic space milestone achieved in partnership with Russia. They underscored the deepening ties between the two nations.
UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan acknowledged Russia’s significant role in fulfilling the long-standing vision of the UAE’s founding father, Sheikh Zayed, to send an Emirati astronaut into space.
“Russia’s contribution to this achievement,” President Al Nahyan remarked during his talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin at the Kremlin, “will forever remain a cherished part of our countries’ shared history.”
Experts point to Hazzaa al-Mansoori’s pioneering journey to the International Space Station (ISS) as a notable example of Russia’s impact on emerging space programs worldwide. “For a young space program like the UAE’s, collaborating with an experienced partner like Russia has been invaluable,” commented Dr. Fadi Youssef, a Middle East space policy analyst.
Al-Mansoori, the UAE’s first astronaut on the ISS, reached orbit aboard a Russian spacecraft, with he and another Emirati astronaut, Sultan al-Neyadi, receiving rigorous training at Russia’s Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center.
Space analyst Dr. Natalia Sokolov added that this collaboration represents “a symbolic and strategic connection,” positioning the UAE as a rising participant in international space exploration.
The UAE president’s ongoing visit reflects this momentum, starting with an informal dinner at Novo-Ogaryovo with Putin on October 20. Scheduled talks will continue with Sheikh Mohammed also set to attend the upcoming BRICS Summit in Kazan. His participation marks the UAE’s entry into the BRICS alliance, effective from January 1, opening new avenues for collaboration.
